What if the man you are dating calls you...but doesn't leave a message? Should you call him back?

If a man calls you, but doesn't leave any kind of message, then you are not obligated to return the call - and you shouldn't. In fact, doing so could end up embarrassing both of you. You'll see why in a minute.

If your man really wanted a return call, he would leave a message. Men are much more likely to call you back - or - leave a message - if you don't do it for them.

You have to "train" men - and anyone - that if they want you to call back, they have to leave you a message! In other words, if you are dating a man, it's not okay for him to just call and hang up and expect you to hunt him down in return. Why should you spend your time tracking him down?

If you are already doing this, then you are the one who is doing the pursuing. And that is not what you want.

Tell your man that if he doesn't leave a message, you assume it was just a spur of the moment call that didn't require a return call. Tell him (sweetly!) that you assumed he would call back if he really needed to talk to you.

Etiquette experts would agree - it could actually be that the person does not want a return call for some reason (such as a wrong number dialed by accident).

If that's the case, your man was calling someone else. He did not leave you a message on purpose. And your calling him will be awkward - especially if you do not know him well, and he still dates other women besides just you.

It makes you look too eager and desperate if you return someone's call even though no message has been left.

Also, this is an example of helping the man out way too much! (Because we sometimes want that call so much.)

Everything you do sends a "message" to men - including the way you react when they call but do not leave a message on your phone!

Mimi Tanner reveals the secrets of flirting and getting the attention of your man. Her emails are read by thousands of women every day. Check out How To Be Irresistible. You may reprint this article if this statement is included, with all links unchanged.